The decision follows a 1-1 draw with Ross County at Tannadice where United fans voiced their frustration over some of the manager’s decisions and substitutions and comes just a couple of weeks after Houston revealed that he would leave the club at the end of the season.

However, no-one anticipated today’s early departure, with the club confirming: “Dundee United today announced that Manager Peter Houston had left the Club by mutual consent.

"Peter, who recently confirmed he would not be renewing his contract at the club, led Dundee United to Scottish Cup success in 2010 and helped the squad qualify for European football on three consecutive occasions.

“He leaves with the thanks of everyone at the club and best wishes for the future.”

Houston, who played as a striker with Airdrie, Albion Rovers, Falkirk, Dumbarton and East Stirling, joined United in 2006 as assistant manager.

He took over as caretaker boss in December 2009 when Craig Levein left Tannadice to take over as Scotland coach.

He led the Tayside outfit to a 3-0 Scottish Cup Final win over Ross County and a third-place finish in the SPL that season and shortly afterwards signed a three-year deal as manager.

The following two seasons saw him lead United to fourth-place finishes and into Europe while combining his duties at Tannadice with assisting Levein with the national team.

United are currently in 7th in the SPL and have not won at home since recording a 3-0 win over city rivals Dundee on August 19 last year.